The FDA is still slow to recognize the positive effects of selenium in fish. Research in recent years has established selenium, present in all marine fish, interacts with mercury by binding to it; negating mercury’s effects. This research explains the findings of a 2004 survey conducted on the Japanese population published by the U.S. Journal of Health and Science. In the survey, findings showed 87% of the Japanese population and 74% child-bearing age females in the country had mercury levels that were higher than EPA’s restrictive dose due to the fact the Japanese consume three times more fish, per capita, than Americans. Yet, the Japanese have one of the world’s longest life expectancies and students who consistently outscore American kids on standardized tests. Organizations such as National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (includes American Academy of Pediatrics, March of Dimes, National Institute for Child Health and Human Development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are challenging the FDA’s suggested consumption limit of 12 ounces of fish and seafood per week for pregnant women. They claim the omega-3 and selenium found in fish offer important health benefits. Seafood is known to ward off cancer, inflammatory diseases and Alzheimer's, as well as lower heart rate, cholesterol, blood pressure and body weight. Certain fish, such as tuna, have higher selenium to mercury ratio, allowing the selenium to protect the body against mercury’s effects.

PRNewswire. “FDA, EPA behind the curve in failing to recognize selenium in fish

reverses effects of mercury.” Seafood.com 12 Mar. 2008


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